Dear Liza,
The Alliance Française is an international organization dedicated to teaching the French language around the world. Here in the States, it also serves as a social meeting place for French-speakers and Francophiles, like us.
On Saturday, the Portland branch of the Alliance had its Christmas Open House, and they invited Bridgett to come sell her artsy goodies! We packed up the boxes and drove across the river to The Kamm Mansion, a glorious Victorian house in the west hills.
As usual, you meet the nicest folks early at these sorts of events; the people helping set things up, work out problems, and help everyone be successful. We met MariePierre, who is a native French speaker and teacher at the Alliance, setting up a table she shared with friends. MariePierre was camera shy, I guess, because I can’t find any pictures of her.
We met Betsy, a retired high school French teacher. She fell in love with all of Bridgett’s things and made a fine set of purchases before the Open Hiuse even opened! She spend the rest of the time running the children’s art room next door.
A fellow named Gavin came in, frazzled from his dash from Bend, and got set up in record time.
The next three hours flew by with crowds of happy people, lively music by an accordion and clarinet duet, champagne, sweets and snacks.
We were just at the ends of our respective ropes when 6:00 came and we headed for home. A nice out-of-the-fridge dinner and all was well.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 